Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Pap Smears 

Genital Human Papillomavirus infection, formerly known as genital or venereal warts, is caused by one of the strains of the human papillomavirus that affect the reproductive tract. It was first described in 25 A.D., making it one of the oldest sexually-transmitted infections (STI).

During these modern times, genital human papillomavirus infection is considered the most common viral STI. This infection is caused by a double-stranded DNA virus, which has more than 40 known serotypes, and over 20 types can infect the genital tract of both male and female, including the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), and anus, as well as the linings of the cervix, vagina, or the rectum. .

Visible genital are most often caused by HPV types 6 and 11. What is alarming about HPV is that the other types of the said virus like 16, 18, 31, 33, and 35 have a highest risk of developing cancer, in which types 16 and 18 have the highest mortality from cervical cancer.

The human papilloma virus is contracted through vaginal, anal, or even oral sex. It is not passed through the semen of the male however, but through skin-to-skin contact during sex. It is known that those who smoke and take contraceptives for more than 5 years are found to be risk for HPV.

Human papillomavirus is so prevalent that the majority of men and women maybe infected, but most don’t know it , perhaps an efficient immune system does a great job keeping the virus in check until symptoms like profuse,irritating vaginal discharge, itching, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), or postcoital bleeding (postsex bleeding) is manifested which often many years later. It is sad to know that HPV infections are found to be more frequent in pregnant than in nonpregnant woman

In women, HPV lesions are called condylomata acuminata, which are most often seen posterior part of the vulva, and on the buttocks, vagina, anus and cervix.

The warts are small, soft swelling which appear singly or in clusters. An infection of long duration looks like cauliflower mass. Warts are typically flesh colored or slightly darker on Caucasian woman, brownish on Asian woman and black on African-American woman.

Since some strains of the virus can cause cancer so physical examination of the vulva, perineum, anus, vagina, and cervix is important if HPV lesions seen or even suspected in one area. If a partner of a woman is found to be positive of HPV, it is highly recommended for a woman to have a cervical examination with Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. This is a screening technique especially for early detection of any cancerous cells.

Pap smear has saved the lives of many women, because cervical cancer was considered one of the high causes of death. The Pap smear is less expensive, simple and reliable test to perform. Pap smear is recommended a yearly routine screening of sexually-active adult women, and more often for minor abnormal cells found on previous Pap smear tests.